[Anonymous]

Historically the pass rates on any part of the CPA exam is roughly 40% — which means in order to pass all 4 parts, the percentage is even less.

I know from speaking with other students that the CFA is a harder exam in comparison. However, the CFA consists of 3 “levels” — and once you pass each “level”, they never expire. So, if you pass CFA level 1 and 2, you can take the rest of your life to finish 3.

Has anyone ever put any thought as to why the AICPA requires you to pass all 4 parts within a 18 month window (far less considering blackout months, test score waiting period, etc.)? It just doesn’t make sense to me. Sure, there are changes to the exam and the accounting profession from time to time, but I feel like that can be taught through Continuing Education.

After seeing some of the scores posted here by other readers, I feel like the the 18 month window is just a way to squeeze out more money from test takers..

Let me you leave you with a joke my audit professor taught us:

“You know what the CPA stands for? Cannot Pass Again – that means if you pass it once, you can never pass it again.”

[RedRage00]

You're right…..$$$$$

Texas CPA
Licensed, March 2012

[mla1169]

shhhhh….and thank our lucky stars that we don't take all 4 parts within 2 days like they did before computerized testing!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Tryinghard]

It is probably mostly due to money. Sadly, they set up the test to make it so hard to pass. I know taking the test in the older format was hard, but there was no where near the same amount of material on the exam.

[KasiaS]

I think it's the money. The AICPA is a nonprofit so they squeeze funding out of starving CPA candidates.

FAR 88 (07/15/11)
BEC 83 (08/31/11)
AUD 81 (10/15/11)
REG 83 (11/26/11)

Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

[Anonymous]

By keeping the passing rates low and making the test legendary in it's difficulty the AICPA is helping to keep the title of CPA highly esteemed in the business community.

This test is the reason that CPAs are given credibility on par with doctors and lawyers.

[Herbieherb]

I think its content change also, latest ASC or IRC code stuff etc. If someone passed an exam 15 years ago, then finally finished up cpa today, and got licensed, they really don't know what's current. Old cpas have to keep up with the CPE

It's all about committing yourself. It really shouldn't take more than 18 months. It's either you didn't study hard enough, you didn't make it a priority or you aren't smart enough. Only you know the answer to that question.

NEW YORK- DONE

[Author]

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